MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, the leading financial services provider in the Sultanate, as part of its social responsibility and commitment to national growth and development, has signed an agreement with the Office of the Wali of Bidbid to provide kiosks for the welfare of social welfare families and job seekers. These kiosks will be distributed in different places within the Wilayat of Bidbid. The agreement was signed by HE Dr Humood Ali Humaid Al Marshodi, Wali of Bidbid, and Hamza Abbas Al Ajmi, Deputy General Manager – Credit, Bank Muscat.

Speaking on this occasion, HE Dr Humood Ali Humaid Al Marshodi, Wali of Bidbid, said: “This agreement is being implemented in cooperation between the Wali’s Office and Bank Muscat as part of the strong public-private partnership in supporting development projects. It aims to support jobseekers and social welfare families in Bidbid to contribute towards the Sultanate’s economy through small businesses. We extend our sincere thanks to Bank Muscat, which is well known for its pioneering CSR activities, for its support for this project and hope that the private sector will continue to support projects that contributes to national development and our community.”

Hamza Abbas Al Ajmi, Deputy General Manager – Credit, Bank Muscat, said: “Bank Muscat has been a proud partner in the development of the Sultanate and our community over the past 40 years. Through this initiative with the support of the Office of His Excellency the Wali of Bidbid, we hope to benefit many social welfare families and job seekers in the wilayat. The kiosks, which are being built by an SME (Smart Industrious Co), will enable many citizens to play a greater role in enhancing their income through starting their own business. We are delighted to be part of a strong Public-Private Partnership in Oman, which is creating a strong and positive impact on Omani society across multiple fields including the development of a vibrant MSME sector.”

As the nation’s leading financial institution, Bank Muscat has been a pioneer of sustainability in the Sultanate and has worked steadfastly to partner and support the community in different initiatives so as to contribute to overall progress and development. Its CSR programmes and efforts to support MSMEs through financial and non-financial services have been creating a positive impact on Omani society. The bank has over 10 long-term CSR programmes including Green Sports, Little Investor, Jesr Al Mustaqbal, and the Al Wathbah SME Academy. It has also launched a number of development projects in the past including the Misfat Al Abriyeen heritage tourism project in the Wilayat of Al Hamra in partnership with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and a 15,000 sq. m. public park in Al Khoud in partnership with Muscat Municipality. 

With the objective of developing entrepreneurship in the Sultanate as part of the overall strengthening of the economy, Bank Muscat has also been one of the biggest supporters of the MSME sector in the country with the aim of providing the widest range of products and services. It has been continuously striving to meet their unique needs, boost development and enhance the ease of MSME banking through a number of major initiatives through its Najahi, Al Wathbah and Meethaq SME units.

More than being just a financial services provider, Bank Muscat has always pushed itself to be an enabler of sustainable development for the community and the nation. Najahi has been praised by customers for the services and financial facilities provided since its inception, as it has enabled micro and small businesses to develop and expand their projects, which is in line with the development goals of the Sultanate with the aim of contributing to economic diversification, supporting Omani youth and increasing GDP.